A biological control agent?

Cyanobacteria occur worldwide, especially in calm, nutrient-rich waters. Some cyanobacterial species produce toxins that affect animals and humans, and people can be exposed by drinking or bathing in contaminated water. The most frequent and serious health effects are caused by drinking water containing the toxins. Swimmers may also suffer allergic reactions such as eye irritation and blisters caused by contact with the toxins.

A possible way to eliminate harmful cyanobacteria is to use biological control agents. Ciliate grazers such as P. dubius have been suggested as possible candidates and their potential has been demonstrated in the laboratory. Currently, however, the logistical problems of producing and storing sufficient amounts of ciliate grazers prevent their effective use for the control of cyanobacteria in large water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs (Sigee et al., 1999).

Discover the habitats, distribution and dispersal mechanisms of P. dubius and how, thanks to its ability to thrive in particular environmental conditions, it has potential as a biological indicator of pollution.